Before we talk about the Bride Vivien, let's talk about the Groom, Joel. Joel is this designer's second cousin. We just reconnected back in 2011 after a long period of time since most of the relatives from my grandmother's side (my father's mother) are based here in Manila. Joel is not your typical jock. Aside from his good looks and tall, athletic body, he is intelligent, articulate, ambitious, sensitive and most of all, a big brother any sibling would have because of his warm and caring nature. Although we never grew up together, Joel makes it sure that everyone's pretty much safe and taken cared of whenever everyone get's together. Joel was dating somebody else that time and of course, she was also pretty and nice and yours truly got along with her however a few years after and a lot of fashion shows in between, Joel introduced another beautiful and charming lady after my Fall/Winter 2013 presentation and her name was Vivien. 

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So our Bride Vivien, was the complete opposite of Joel's ex-date however what made her special to this designer is that she is a kindred soul. She presented herself in a manner any decent, educated woman would. She was not shy, and was not loud either and yours truly felt (being the empathetic person this designer is) that she was the missing piece in Joel's life. Yours truly could not remember any instance where Joel and this designer had a deep conversation about relationships but somehow along the way, Joel may have mentioned to us that he specifically wanted a woman that would give him a sense of security and support and Vivien was just that. It was a love story made from the stars. Vivien is a Gemini, and Joel is a Libra and based on the Zodiac's matchmaking handbook, both signs are the what we call, "soulmates". This designer could not exactly remember how they met however the way Vivien described it, this designer could only wish for himself the same beginning of a love story that would last forever. You can tell by how both of them are meant to be for each other and it seems like their energies, and movements are so synchronized that by describing them as a "perfect couple" would be an understatement. 

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So this designer was commissioned to be the official designer of Joel and Vivien's Wedding and not only do I get to dress up the Bride, Vivien however, they both agreed to also let yours truly design the whole entourage including both of their mothers. Yours truly was very excited because aside from the fact that designing for a Bride is fulfilling, Vivien also became this designer's good friend and big sister. Vivien did not give this designer a very hard time in the process furthermore, our collaboration worked extremely well that we always look forward to see each other on our planned meetings. There were more catching up moments than the actual work itself. Speaking of an easy working relationship, Vivien's theme was very much straightforward which allowed this designer's imagination to run wild and free. The Bride's ceremony will be in a beautiful garden and the motif was all the colors of Spring. When Vivien mentioned the theme to us, this designer became extremely excited. So excited that yours truly was already the one deciding the colors! LOL! Vivien did not mind that and left all creative process to us and lastly, for her gown, like any other Bride that would come to us, she just wanted something sophisticated, elegant and simple with a design that would highlight her features. So we made her a ball gown that had a sweetheart neckline with a basque waistline and a see through boat neck top adorned with lace patchworks and beads. The bodice were also adorned with lace and beads and the hemline of the ballgown's skirt had lace scallops trimmings.

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The gown was just an accessory to the bride, because it was Vivien who truly glowed that day during the ceremony under a beautiful sunny afternoon with the cool breeze of Tagaytay inside the grounds of the new Hillcreek Gardens. The Bride was assisted by her equally glowing and beautiful bridesmaids in their colorful dresses also designed by yours truly. The wedding was very solemn and intimate that the ones who were present were the couples families and closest friends. The night ended with a lot of fun and what made the wedding special is that Joel's grandmother, also this designer's grandmother Diding get to witness this occasion before joining our creator in 2017.

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Overall, the entire process of our collaboration with Vivien was a joyful one. Vivien and Joel made it sure that the ones who get to be a part of their wedding and entourage are the ones who knew them best. This celebration also allowed this designer to get to know the other side of our family who yours truly never had the chance to be close with for a very long time. Vivien's family likewise did not treat this designer as a stranger. They welcomed yours truly with open arms. Joel and Vivien like what we mentioned was really meant for each other. Yours truly can only imagine how joyful and how easy the both of them can surpass any trials that comes along their way. Joel and Vivien's spirituality are always tuned in and even if they are not so vocal about it, it emanates from them how God's love is working on their marriage. The couple may not be blessed with a child for now however, Vivien is supporting Joel's business, since it is pretty much a success and continuously expanding and his products are being distributed by one of the biggest retailers and wholesalers in the country. In addition to that, while both of them are doing pretty amazing as a team in business, our Bride Vivien is also preoccupied learning how to make healthy cakes, pastries and goodies which may turn out and grow into a good business soon since she already sold some of her goodies to her friends. This designer can say so many beautiful things on how our collaboration with Vivien went however yours truly can only look back, and cherish the moments with a smile. 

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Check out the full gallery of Joel and Vivien's wedding below.

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